Medical examiner rules Bethel woman's death in house fire an accident

The Delaware County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled that an 83-year-old Garnet Valley woman died after her clothes ignited in flames in her Bethel home's kitchen Thursday.

Shirley M. McGinniss died of soot and smoke inhalation and extensive thermal burns, according to Medical Examiner's report. The manner was listed as an accident that occurred sometime Wednesday at her home in the 1000 block of Belmont Lane.

The Medical Examiner also noted that a significant condition that contributed to her death was arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease complicated by rheumatic heart disease with cardiomegaly.